DRIVERS using a major stretch of road in the North East have been warned to stick to the speed limit as construction work has officially started.
Those using the A1 from Junction 65, Birtley and Junction 67, Coal House, have been urged to stick to 50mph as major work began last week.
The road is undergoing a £220m upgrade programme, which will see the widening of carriageways and additional lanes added in both directions.
Read more: Speed cameras go up between Durham, Aycliffe and Darlington on the A1(M)
As a result, an average speed camera zone has been installed with signs advising drivers to remain at the speed limit or face penalties.
However, drivers have spotted the average speed cameras appearing to remain switched off and "not in use" despite going up months ago.
Now, National Highways has explained why they have not yet been switched on as they reminded drivers to stick to the limit, regardless.
Read more: Why average speed cameras have just been added to this busy stretch of the A1
The company said that, working with the police, final camera checks and calibration is taking place and that they would be switched on soon.
Before the average speed zone was put in place, the road was already a 50mph - being brought down from 70mph several years ago.
Hafsa Asif, assistant project manager for the Birtley to Coal House improvement, warned drivers the limit remained enforceable by police.
“We have reduced the speed limit through the work area to protect the workforce and to keep motorists safe.
"The speed limits are clearly signed and are currently enforceable by the police whether the speed cameras are in operation or not.
"Our advice to drivers is to take care through roadworks and comply with the speed limits in place.”
What work is taking place and for how long
Drivers have been warned the 50mph average speed limit zone will last the duration of the works, which are scheduled to end in 2025 at the latest.
National Highways has said the road is being widened from three to four lanes between Junction 65 and 67 on the southbound carriageway.
Meanwhile, the road will eventually see three lanes between Junction 65 and Junction 67 on the northbound carriageway.
Last Wednesday as work commenced Nick Harris, chief executive at National Highways, said the upgrade would result in "better and safer" journeys.
He said: “We pride ourselves on managing and improving England’s motorways and major A roads to make journeys safer, smoother and more reliable, as we deliver the Government’s strategic roads investment programme.
“I’m delighted to see the completion of the A19 Norton to Wynyard work earlier than planned so drivers can experience the benefits.
"It’s also great news that we’re now commencing the main construction work to upgrade the A1 between Birtley to Coal House.
“The A1 and the A19 are extremely important routes and these improvements, amongst the many others projects we’ve done - and are continuing to do in the region - will provide better, safer journeys and connections for our road users.”
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